Another British individual has tragically passed away due to the destructive wildfires that swept through southern Spain, as confirmed by authorities.
The Andalusian government reported that a 93-year-old British woman was hospitalized on Friday following injuries sustained in the fire, with burns covering approximately 20% of her body. Sadly, her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
This recent fatality brings the total number of deaths from the fires to 13, with at least four of the deceased believed to be British individuals based on the discovery of a burnt-out car containing four bodies, noted for having the steering wheel on the right side.
In a separate incident, two British hikers were found alive but severely burned. The pair, whose identities remain undisclosed, are suspected to have suffered 40% burns according to Spanish national broadcaster, RTVE.
The hikers were located by a team of Civil Guards who revisited the area after an initial search. The officers recounted finding the survivors just before nightfall, demonstrating the importance of thorough search efforts.
One of the sergeants involved emphasized the significance of perseverance and keen observation in such rescue missions. Despite the challenging circumstances, the hikers were successfully rescued with the assistance of firefighters and emergency services after a prolonged effort.
Currently, the individuals are hospitalized in serious condition, although their lives are not deemed to be at immediate risk. Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists who likely attempted to escape on foot after abandoning their vehicles in rugged terrain.
Authorities have conducted post-mortem examinations to identify the deceased, collecting DNA samples for this purpose. Spain’s history of intense heatwaves, often surpassing 40C, has exacerbated the situation, with the country recently experiencing record-setting temperatures resulting in numerous heat-related fatalities.